2013 H.U.G. Gala Recap

Flapper style and the legacy of the iconic Josephine Baker loomed large November 4 at the 230 FIFTH penthouse, where the Intimate Apparel Square Club (IASC) held its annual H.U.G. Awards gala fundraiser to benefit pediatric services at Rusk and Tisch Hospital, part of the Hassenfeld Pediatric Center at NYU Langone Medical Center. The honorees were Yummie by Heather Thomson Founder/Chief Creative Officer Heather Thomson, International Intimates Inc. Founder, President & CEO René Rofé, and celebrated intimate apparel industry fit model Dorothy Galligan, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The fundraiser drew 286 professionals from the intimate apparel and retail industries and featured both silent and live auctions. Guests wore retro fashion to reflect the event’s Jazz Era theme, which was rendered especially authentic by the presence of emcee Jean-Claude Baker, Josephine Baker’s adopted son and founder of Chez Josephine.

Above: Dorothy Galligan flanked by a bevy of her fellow fit models.

“Spirits were high at the H.U.G. Gala this year,” said IASC President Michael De Prisco. “At a time that when fundraising is challenged by economic conditions, we consider ourselves fortunate that we have the support of the intimate apparel industry, which came out to help our kids at NYU Langone Medical Center once again. It was a night to remember.”

The ceremony was highlighted by heartfelt comments, from both presenters and honorees, about the pediatric rehabilitation team’s work at Rusk Institute and Tisch Hospital. Steven Flanagan, M.D., of NYU Langone Medical Center, provided the audience a detailed overview of the hospital’s diverse rehabilitation programs for the children and thanked the IASC and its industry supporters for their continued help.

Above: Heather Thomson received her H.U.G. Award from her “Real Housewives of New York City” co-star Carole Radziwill.

Heather Thomson received her H.U.G. Award from noted journalist and author Carole Radziwill, her co-star in Bravo’s hit reality series “The Real Housewives of New York City,” and riveted guests with her personal recollection of her son’s struggles with biliary atresia, a pediatric liver disease.

Above: Raymond Cohen presented the H.U.G. Award to Rene Rofe.

Rene Rofe’s presenter, colleague and longtime friend Raymond Cohen, paid tribute to his deep commitment to philanthropy. Intimates industry veteran Alan Fisher presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dorothy Galligan, who had an enthusiastic cheering section in the audience that included many of her fellow fit models.

The annual H.U.G. Gala brings together leaders in the fashion and retail industries to raise funds for the IASC’s campaign in support of pediatric treatment and rehabilitation. To date, the H.U.G. Gala has raised more than $5 million for programs at Rusk and Tisch. Individuals or organizations interested in making a donation to the IASC NYU Langone Pediatric Services campaign may contact the IASC at 845-758-5752.

About The IASC and The H.U.G. Award

The Intimate Apparel Square Club (IASC) was founded in1955. For 57 years, the IASC has honored well-respected, high-profile companies and individuals at its annual fundraiser, which was renamed the H.U.G. (Help Us Give) Gala in 1998. The IASC’s membership includes management executives, designers and salespeople, among other professionals. Initially focused on charities for the blind and the elderly, the IASC broadened its scope over the years and today supports a variety of charitable organizations, with pediatric services at Rusk and Tisch Hospital, among other programs at NYU Langone Medical Center, being the primary beneficiaries of its fundraising. For more information, visit www.thehugaward.org.